After being spotted with Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa hours after the Senate shootout on Wednesday, Sen. Robin Padilla has been identified as a “person of interest” in Dela Rosa's escape by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Chief Melvin Matibag.
In an interview with ANC’s Dateline Philippines on Friday, May 15, Matibag said Padilla may be questioned on Dela Rosa’s whereabouts after the two senators were seen leaving the Senate premises in the early hours of May 14 following the gunshot incident at the Senate.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano also confirmed that Padilla and Dela Rosa left the building at 2:30 a.m.
Previously, Padilla shared that he had accompanied Dela Rosa, during which they discussed Dela Rosa's time hiding in the ‘mountains’ during his six-month absence.
Matibag said Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca is also being considered a person of interest following the shooting incident involving the NBI agents.
Matibag added that Senate President Cayetano will also be questioned, as Dela Rosa was put under Senate protective custody. This prevented law enforcement from arresting him while on Senate grounds.
The search for Dela Rosa continues as he is accused of crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte Administration's war on drugs. He is slated for transfer to the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands, where former President Rodrigo Duterte is held.
Written by Almira Cereno, Insight PH
Almira Cereno, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
